January 9, 2012

Eden Alternative Tip of the Week: New Year's Resolutions

Where would we be if we never set goals and went about trying to accomplish them? Our growth would definitely be stunted, if we didn't strive to better and grow ourselves throughout our lives. This is what Eden Alternative Principle Nine is all about: “Creating an Elder-centered community is a never-ending process. Human growth must never be separated from human life.” Here is some food for thought, as your team plots out goals for its 2012 Eden Alternative journey.
 
Top ten list of personal News Year's resolutions from the internet:
  1. Spend more time with family and friends
  2. Fit in fitness
  3. Tame the bulge
  4. Quit smoking
  5. Enjoy life more
  6. Quit drinking
  7. Get out of debt
  8. Learn something new
  9. Help others
  10. Get organized
Did you know that:
  • 25% of New Year's resolutions will be abandoned in the first 15 weeks of the year?
  • A New Year's resolution is repeated, on average, 10 times?
  • According to a Seattle study, 67% of people make 3 or more resolutions each year?
  • 40% of people are successful at achieving their top resolution on the first try?
  • Those who are able to stick to their resolution for 6 months or longer have attempted that change 5-6 times before succeeding?

How can you improve your rate of success?
  • Set appropriate goals
  • Do not set your expectations too high – you can always raise the bar next year
  • Do not overload yourself by taking on too many resolutions (goals) at one time
  • Share your resolutions with others – we can increase our success rate, if others know what we are working on and stand ready to support us
  • Focus on setting small goals toward success and reward yourself along the way
Make 2012 a year of great resolutions, goals and successes!